Legal Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Judge Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median judge salary in Tucson, AZ is $137,668 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$137,668
vs State Avg
$-5,921
vs National
$-10,362
Cost of Living
93%

Judge Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median judge salary of $137,668, which is $5,921 below the Arizona state average of $143,589. Compared to the national median of $148,030, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for judges in Tucson spans from $53,940 at the 10th percentile to $213,900 at the 90th percentile — a $159,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,450, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $199,950. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Judge Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level judge earns around $60,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,450
$-4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,500
$-10,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,950
$-15,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $53,940
25th Percentile $83,700
Median (50th) $137,668
75th Percentile $181,350
90th Percentile $213,900

Judge Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Judge in Tucson

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Judge Jobs in Tucson

Browse open judge positions in Tucson, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Tucson

How much does a Judge make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median judge salary in Tucson, Arizona is $137,668 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $53,940 (10th percentile) to $213,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,668, a judge in Tucson earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for judge pay? ▼
Tucson's median judge salary of $137,668 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $143,589. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a judge salary of $137,668 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Tucson? ▼
Most judge positions in Tucson require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Interpretation, Judicial Reasoning, Court Procedures, Impartiality. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.